Still and method of distilling



July 27 VAPOUIZ OUTLET P|PE5 a CRUDE OILINLETAT VIiPOUR OUTLET TUBE 5 EAM PIPES J Fignl. J

LEVEL OF RESHJUE STEAM PIP-E P. MATHER STILL AND METHOD OF DISTILLING Filed August 9, 1921 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 VII 1 SEGMENTAL d3 9 FITTiNGS J SEGMENTALFH'UNGS WEIR vAPoura OUTLET TUBE z L 5 vAPomz SPACE d e TILL ,l 3 Z\ 4.. 0 LIQUIDLEVEl fil "mN EL 1 a. ids JOINT LIMEZ 1:

rd I a? uqum LEVEL 3| SEGMENTAL FITTING d Inventor flttorney.

July 27 1926.

P. MATHER STILL AND METHOD OF DISTILLING Filed August 9 1921 10 Sheets-Sheet Inventor Klan! .lffornry.

July 27 1926. 1,594,209

P. MATHER STILL AND METHOD OF DISTILLING Filed August 9, 1921 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 HELICAL CHANNEL DRAINING VALVE.

I nv entor fim Fully 27 119260 ll,594,2@9

P. MAT HER STILL AND METHOD OF DISTILLING Filed August 9, 1921 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 Inventor @Zfim,

July 2?, H9260 9430 P. MATHER STILL AND METHOD OF DISTILLING Filed August 9, 1921 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 Fig.

VAPOUR OUTLET TUBE W VAPOUE OUTLET PIPES STlLL STILL W W 6 vrzmmmu VALVE W .5

ELICAL CHANNEL HEUCAL VAPOUR DOOR.

APOUR' OUTLET HOL S HELICAL \IAPOuR SPACE ELICAL CHANNEL I DRAIN PIPE STEAM PIPES EVELS 0F RESIDUEd 2 Inventor m RESWUE-OUTLET-VALVE m by m WW "N I July 27 1926. 1,594,209

P. MATHER STILL AND METHOD OF DISTILLING Filed August 9, 1921' 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 HEUCAL CHANNEL VAPOUE. OUTLET HOLES VAPOUR. OUTLET TUBE STEAM PXPES .f J K M El 3 u u 8! \H 7 6| Fi .9. d a

STEAM PwEs i do Inventor 7 W un d I M I. W:

. Attorney.

July 27 1926.

P. MATHER STILL AND METHOD OF DISTILLING 1921 10 Sheets-Sheet' 8 Filed August 9 U PTAKE VAPOUR OUTLET TUBE FigLIZ,

FLUE

COM BUSTION CHAMB E APOUE OUTLET Pl PES CRUDE O\L INLET Inventor W .lttorney.

Juhr 27 1926.. 1,594,209

P. MATHER STILL AND METHOD OF DISTILLING Filed August 9, 1921 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Q/APOUE, OUTLET TUBE r A a PORTS STILL 5 1 Q g 3 d fl m.

EESIDUE M FLOAT RESIDUE PUTLET VALVE m z m m k L J "Q -e5 a Ego 0 Inventor y g M:

v flt orney.

Jufly 27 9 1926. 1,594,209

P. MATHER STILL AND METHOD OF DISTILLING Filed August 9, 1921 10 Sheets-Sheet 1O VAPOUK. OUTLET TUFE COM DUSTIDN CHAMBER UPTAKE.

////i ll COMBUSTION HAMBER.

y, Inventor Eva/ 4 at space PEECY MATHEB, OF LONDON, ENG- STILL AND METHOD OF DISTILLING.

Application ifiled August 9, 1921, Serial no. 490,949, and in Great Britain August 18, 1920.

a feet the continuous and expeditious distillation of the crude oil or other liquid in bulk and while in movement in the still,

under conditions favourable to the uniform.

transmission of heat to the liquid, and to re the vapours being released immediately on their production; and to effect fractional distillation b the subjection of the liqu d "to be distille in bulk to gradually 1ncreasing temperatures according to the fractions it required, so as to ensure good fractionation.

and eiliciency and economy in the production of the various distillation products.

According to the invention the crude oil or liquid to be distilled is caused to flow 2a through the still in an exposed and interrupte stream in a position adjacent to the still casing, while the still casing is subjected to heat externally applied.

The invention comprises means for interceptilig the liquid in its course through the still, and for inducing the circulation of the liquida d the release of vapour at the surtate thereof.

'Tlihe invention also comprises means for imparting to the liquid a substantially helical course in its'passage through the still and for disposing the channel, or the series of compartments constituting the channel, .throu h which the liquid passes, within a, between the still casing and a centrally disposed vapour outlet tube.

The invention furthermore comprises means for the withdrawal of the vapours in a number of positions in the course of the to liquid through the still.

The invention alsocomprises the features of method and construction which are hereinafter described.

The invention is illustrated by Way of 4 5 example in'the accompanying drawings, in

-. Figure 1 represents diagrammatically in sectional elevation a still adapted for the d ti a iqnfo c u e. 1 O Pa t al y topped bit? Int guregt est lqwn clear b t e t n i 1 p f g' r .Medieva e ati n through t be? wit seler e p nt 0f. iv is fl n-' ml is constituted, showing the'manner in tilt) in which packing is inse ml between the edge of the bottom plate and the wall of the still casing and the vapour outlet tube.

Figure 3 is a detail view shewing the manner in which the inner ends ofthe segmental fittings are supported one upon the other by means of rods or distancerpieoes. Figures 3 and 3 are detail views 'shewing alternative means for making a substantially liquid tight joint between the outer edge of the bottom of the respective compartments and the wall at the still.

Figure 4; is a diagrammatic development of a series of compartments constituting the channel along which the liquid passes through the still, indicating the manner in which the difference of level between the bottom plates of succeeding compartments is determined by ledges mounted upon the outer faces of the lateral walls of the segmental fittings, as well as the difference of I level of liquid in adjacent compartments.

Figure 5 is a detail view shewing the.

manner in which outlet valves are provided in vertical line in the lower part of the segmental fittings for the purpose of draining the respective compartments, and the central cavities within the segmental fittings.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 are respectively detail sectional view, detail lan and detail end sectional elevation of t e segmental fittings, shewing the manner in which the bottom plates of the compartments are supported thereby, and the manner in which separated va our compartments are formed in the he ical space above the level of the liquid in the series of compartments in the still.

Figures 8 and 8 are respectively end views of one of the segmental fittings.

Figures 8, 8, 8", 8 are corresponding plan, elevation, vertical section, and under- Figare ,2 isfa sectional. plan. corresponding gtdIF u e -ib on as ig t y e g a estill provided with a valve operating float, that may be employed fcr the purpose of lid automatically operating the outlet valve for the residue of distillation.

Figure 9 is a sectional elevation corres onding to Figure 9, but taken through a p ane at right angles to that 1n which Figure 9 is taken. p

Figure 9 is a partial sectional elevation taken in another different plane.

Figure 9 is a plan view of the still 1llustrated in Figures 9, 9 and 9 Figure 10 is a detail view and Figure 10 is a sectional elevation on the line w-y Figure 10.

Figure 11 shows in sectional elevation a still such as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, mounted in a furnace setting. In this ligure the details in the construction of the still are not indicated, while the setting is illustrated in such a form that the central chimney may be used for the waste gases from a furnace setting of identical form in an oppositely disposed position, the respective chimney passages being thus disposed in juxta-pos1tion with a central division wall between.

Figure 12 is a transverse section corresponding to Figure 11. l

In carrying the invention 1nto eiiect according to one construction as illustrated more particularly in Fi res l and 2 and adapted for the distillation of crude oil or partially topped oil, a still a is pro v1ded of a cylindrical form having a top plate a and a bottom plate a, and is mounted with its longitudinal axis vertically disposed within a brickwork setting 6 as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12.

The oil to be distilled passes through the still casing in a substantially helical course, through distinct transverse zones, the liquid being intercepted in its downward course through a channel in which weirs are provided at intervals to form separate intercepting compartments 0' disposed within the annular space between the casing of the still a and the concentric cylindrical vapour outlet tube (1 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Each of the intercepting compartments 0 is disposed at a slightly lower level than that immediately preceding it, so that the liquid under distillation may thus flow over the weir in passing from one compartment to that next in front of it.

Heat is applied to the casing of the still a in distinct zones, and gradually increases in temperature from the top where the crude oil is admitted through the inlet a to the bottom from which the liquid residue is discharged through the outlet pipe I as hereinafter described.

The central vapour outlet tube (2 is divided into compartments d J d if d by the insertion therein of diametrical partitions e. Holes e are provided in the vapour outlet tube d in determined positions,

vapour to pass from the saidcompartment into the h ical vapour space. Drain pipes 6 -(Figure 9) whose lower ends are submerged may serve to return any condensate from the compartments of the vapour outlet tube back to the still.

Each compartment 0 of the helical channel has a transverse sectional shape indicated more particularly in Figures 1, 3 and 6, the shape being such that the depth of the li uid within'each compartment near the wa l of the still a is relatively considerable, so that thus the oil to be distilled lies in contact with the wall of the still throughout the length of the helical channel.

The bottom 0 of each com artment has a transverse section illustrate in Figure 3, the bottom rising upwardly from a position adjacent the casing of the still 0:, and extending at a slight upward inclination towards the central vapour outlet tube d. The lowest liquid level, indicated by the line 1 in Figure 3, of one compartment, is higher than the lowest part at c of the bottom' of the compartment next immediately above it. Such a construction, while permitting of the utilization of the whole of the peripheral part of the casing of the still a, to which heat is externally applied, as a part of the channel in which the liquid passes through the still, and while also permitting of a body of liquid being maintained against the whole of theinternal surface of the said peripheral part of the casing, permits of the formation of a substantially helical space (indicated 2 in Figure 3), above the level of the liquid in the respective compartments of the helical channel, into which the vapour rises, and in which the vapour is out of contact with the outer wall a, and from which it may discharge at intervals through the holes e into the respective compartments d d d a? of the vapour outlet tube d.

Outlet holes to are provided in the segmental fittings (Figure 7) capable of being closed by valves such as 11; (Figure 5) as hereinafter described.

For the purpose of supporting the bottom 0 of the respective compartments of the channel, and for setting them in definite relation, one slightly below the level of the other, preceding it, in continuous succession in the annular space between the casing of the still and the vapour outlet tube, seg-' mental fittings it are provided in vertical series, in radial positions equidistant apart, there being for example SIX such vertlcal series of fittings h disposed in a complete circle as illustrated in Figure 2. The segmental fittings form parts of the helical channel and of the respective compartments constituting the channel, as illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 8", 8", 8, 8, 8, 8'.

The fittings h are provided with an integral bottom h which as illustrated in Figures 6 and 8, has a form in radial section generally corresponding to the bottom c (Figure 8% of the compartment, and with the latera walls 71, it radially disposed with reference to the centre line of the vapour outlet tube d, and provided integral with the bottom h The bottom it and the wall it are partially formed in one fitting and partially in a fitting directly under or over it, in one of the vertical series, so that thus when six segmental fittings are provided for the support between them of the bottom plate 0 of the respective adjacent compartments, as in the construction illustrated in Figure 2, the seventh fitting h, illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 4, will be disposed directly under the first, as shown in that figure, and as shown in Figures 3 and 6. Thus the cavity between the respective lateral walls 723 it of the segmental fittings is only completed by two segmental fittings being set in line one above the other, as illustrated in Figure 3.

One lateral wall it of each segmental fitting has its upper edge for a considerable part of its length extended from a position adjacent the vapour outlet tube d lower than the rest of its length to form a weir at 3, Figures 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 8 and 8 over which the liquid may flow from one compartment to the next in front at a lower level. Each such weir serves to maintain a level of oil in the compartment preceding it such as will seal the bottom 0 (Figure 3) of the compartment immediately above it and thus maintain a body of liquid against the external wall throughout the still. The weirs are preferably inclined to a slight extent downwardly towards the vapour outlet tube, so that the liquid in passing through the cavity formed by the adjacent lateral walls 72, h and bottom 71, of the respective segmental fitting is directed towards the end lying adjacent the vapour outlet tube, where the depth of the cavity is shallowest. The other lateral wall k of each segmental fitting, the upper edge of which projects above the liquid in the channel, has an aperture h (Figures 4, 6, 8 and 8), formed at its lower end at the jointing line .l: (Figure 3), between fitting and fitting in the vertical series, through which the liquid may pass from one compartment 0 into the central cavity of the segmental fitting, the liquid overflowing from this cavity over the weir 3 of the lateral wall h". At the lower end of each fitting h, the bottom it and the lateral wall It may be provided with a horizontal jointing face which is indicated by dotted lines in Figure 8-, and with an integral outwardly extending flange h (Figures 6 7, 8, 8 and 8); and at the upper end oii each fitting, the bottom k and the lateral wall It may be similarly provided with a horizontal jointing face which is indicated by dotted lines in Figure 8, and with an integral outwardl extending flange h, and the respective fittmgs h are secured together in vertical series in line (Figures 3 and 6) by means of bolts passing through iligned holes it" in the respective flanges h' At one end of the respective fittings, an integral end wall it (Figures 6, 8, 8, 8, 8 and 8*) is provided with a slightly protruding face it which extends towards the vapour outlet tube d,"providing a recess into which packing may be inserted, while the op osite end of the fitting, is open, and the lower part of the bottom it, provided at the upper end of each fitting, and the end of the wall It, form together a face It indicated in Figure 8", extending towards the casing of the still a, a liquid tii'ght joint being maintained between the bottom k and the wall of the still by suitable means, such as an integral upstanding flange h between which and the casing of the still a, packing It may be applied as illustrated in Figure 6. It will be understood that no liquid tight joint is necessar at the vertical edge of the lateral wall k ut at the edge of the lateral wall it a vertical recess h is formed, and packing such as h may be interposed between this flange and the still casing, to make a li uid tight joint between the vertical edge 0 the lateral wall It and the casing of the still, so as thus to ensure against any substantial amount of leakage between compartment and compartment.

The respective vertical series of fittings h disposed one upon the other, as described, may be mounted upon vertical rods 2 (Figure 3 extending the length of the still, the rods eing situated conveniently in position near the vapour outlet tube. The rods 2 are provided of a len h corresponding to the distance apart of t e inner ends of the segmental fittings, and may be secured together in line in the manner illustrated in Figure 3 thus supporting the fittings one above the other, and maintaining them in alignment.

On the outer face of the lateral wall h of each ofthe segmental fittings h, a ledge h is integrally formed of a shape generally corresponding to the form of the bottom 0 of the compartment 0, for the reception till - respective ledges h k".

and support of the radial edge o'f'the bot: tom 0, while on the outer face of the lateral wall it another ledge h is provided, at a lower level than the ledge 72. for the reception and support of the bottom 0 at the other radial edge, and the respective edges of the bottom 0 may be secured to the led es h h" by bolts.

he respective ledges h and 71 are thus formed partly on one fitting and partly on the fitting immediately in line beneath, as illustrated in Figures 6, 8*, 8", 8, 8, 8 and 8', that is to say, one segmental fitting has provided at its up er end, the lower part of the respective le ges h h" as well as the lower part of the bottom h and the lower parts of the lateral walls h h, so that thus the respective ledges h h extend to form part of the jointing faces indicated in dotted ines in Figures 8 and 8'. 'Thus the ledges are made continuous, on one fitting being superposed upon another as indicated in Figure 6.

The respective adjacent fittings h disposed in a circle as described, serve to form respectively between them an intercepting compartment 0 of the helical channel for the liquid, and one segmental fitting is disposed at a sli htly lower level than that receding it, t e difference of level being determined by the difference in level of the Thus on the respective adjacent segmental fittings it being set into their proper and determined position, a segmental late of metal may be applied to form the ottom 0 of the compartment 0 intervening between the respective adjacent fittings.

lhus it will be understood that the bottom plate 0 in lan, is provided of a segmental form wit radial edges correspond ing to the lateral walls k h of the adjacent fittings h, and with outer and inner edges of a circular curvature corresponding to that of the inner face of the casing of the still, and of the outer face of the vapour outlet tube respectively.

The outer and inner circular edges of-the plates or bottoms 0 of the respective compartments are not secured to the still casing and vapour outlet tube respectively. It suffices for a piece of angle iron h, as illustrated in detail in Figure 3, formed to a curvature corresponding to the respective inner and outer edges of the plate 0 to be welded or riveted in a position near the re spective edges, so that the respective edges of the lates 0 protrude slightly beyond the vertica face of the angle iron h, whereby packing h of asbestos or other material may be retained in position to form an effective joint at the respective edges.

In Figures 3 and 3, alternative means for ensuring a tifght joint between the outer circular edges 0 the plate or bottom 0 of the compartments is illustrated. In these Figures a bar 0 formed to a circular curvature is secured near the outer edge of the plate 0 and the packing It is applied between the outer face of the bar 0 and the wall of the still a. The packing h" is pressed in position by means of a separate retaining bar 0', also formed to a circular curvature, and this bar may be diverted upwardly at one end 0", for the purpose of retaining the packing in the recess h (Figures 3, 8, 8 and 8) between the vertical edges of the walls l2, andthe casing of the still. For the purpose of holding the retaining bar 0 in position, the plate 0 is provided at intervals with vertical holes for the reception of bolts a, screw threaded at their up or ends, for the reception of nuts by whic collars 0 having downwardly rotruding parts a serve to maintain the ar a pressing downwards against the packing 72. Thus also the diverted end a of within the vertical recess It.

Thus a substantially helical series of compartments c, to, constitute a helical channel for the liquid to be distilled, is provided within the annular space between the casing of -the still a and the central vapour outlet tube at; and the position of the bottom 0 of each compartment is determined by the respective ledges'h it", formed on the lateral walls h h in the manner described, and as diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 4:, so that thus while the construction of the series of compartments is facilitated, the depth of the liquid in the compartments is uniform in any circumferential line and is variable inany radial line.

The lateral wall it of each segmental fitting may be provided with relatively very small holes such as h (Fi res 3 and 8) for facilitating movement 0 the liquid.

In Figure 4 itwill be understood that the section is taken on a circumferential line at the deeper end of the compartments. The liquid is intercepted in bulk in the compartment 0 under such conditions that a circulation of the liquid is maintained within the compartment, and that before flowing from one compartment 0 to the other in front of it, the liquid iscaused. to pass through the aperture 12, in the lower part of the lateral wall 72. of the adjacent segmental fitting, into the central cavity or compartment in the fitting, and to rise therein to the surface and thence to flow over the weir 3 of the lateral wall h into the next compartment (as ilustrated in Figure 2 by arrows), so that thus inasmuch as the channel for the liquid to be distilled is formed in art by the whole of the surface of the st to which heat is externally applied, the con-- tinuous movement or circulation imparted to the liquid-within the compartments fathe bar 0 serves tightly to hold the packing vours the transfer of heat, and the immediate release from the liquid of the vapours as they are produced, and thus the heat imparted to the still is effectively utilized and a very considerable evaporating surface provided for the liquid in its course through the still.

It will be understood that the weir 3 might be provided in the wall h and the aperture k in the wall It, so that thus the liquid may pass through the segmental fitting in a reverse direction to that required in the construction hereinbefore described.

It will be understood that the crude oil admitted at the inlet a (Figures 1 and 9*) passes directly into the uppermost compartment 0 and overflows to the next in succcssion, passing through zones of increasing temperature. The vapours released in the respective parts of the helical space 2, above the level of'the liquid in the helical channel, formed by the respective compartments, passes through the holes 6 into the respective compartments (Z to d, whence they pass to separate condensers, through the respective vapour outlet pipes f f f f*.

The lowermost compartment 0 of the channel provided as hereinbefore described, being disposed at the bottom of the still casing a, the liquid flows over the weir 3 of the terminal fitting h, and accumulates in the bottom of the still, where the residue is maintained at a normal level indicated at 5 (Figures 1 and 9) either by means of the upstanding pipe Z (Figure 1) or in the manner hereinafter described. Holes (Z are provided in the wall of the vapour outlet tube (2', whereby the liquid residue may pass into the downwardly extending part d of the vapour outlet tube. These holes al in the construction illustrated in Figure 1 are provided below the level 5, and vapour outlet holes e are positioned immediately above; while in the modification illustrated in Figure 9, the holes (Z are disposed at and above the level 5, and thus serve also as vapour outlet holes.

The level of oil in the annular space in the still at 5 is advantageously maintained during operation at a level below the level in the last compartment 0 corresponding to the difl'erence of level between succeeding weirs in the helical series throughout the still. Figures 9, 10 and 10 this level is maintained by a number of ports (1 provided in the vapour outlet tube at for the purpose of the overflow of oilfrom the annular space in the still to the lower. part 03 of the vapour outlet tube. The level of oil maintained in the part 01 of the vapour outlet tube is unimportant so long as it lies between the level 5 and the bottom a of the still (Figure 9). The small holes d (Figures 9 and 10) provide means In the modification illustrated in for drainage from the annular space into .the partd", and do, not interfere with the fiinay consist of a partition 2' mounted upon the outer faces of the walls h of any two fittings disposed in line, so as thus to separate the vapour space formed between these respective fittings. Such partitions may for example be provided in the still in positions a jacent the ports 6 (Figure 1). Following the direction of flow of the vapours which is such partition is disposed immediately beyond the outlet ports 6 with which it corresponds. Thus the vapour on release in the respective sections of the vapour space flows upwards in a direction opposite to the flow of the stream of oil, and the posi-' tions of discharge of the vapours into the It is mgenerally upwards, each i corresponding compartments of the vapour outlet tube are in the zones of the lowest temperature in the respective sections. Similarly, the vapours on their upward and outward course from the respective lower compartments of the vapour outlet tube pass through vapours in the upper com-" partments which have successively lower temperatures. Thus the conditions under which the vapours pass throu h the still tend to the elimination by con ensation of those bodies having the highest boiling point, and thus effect a measure of cor-, rection of the respective fractions. 'Thus the helical vapour space may be divided into sections, and means may be provided to permit of communication between the respective sections. Such means may con-' sist, as illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8,- in providing an aperture in the partition 11 closed by a door 12 carried upon a hinged rod 2' mounted in brackets i upon the partition, and the bin ed rod i may be caused to protrude throng the wall of the vapour outlet tube (Z, and an arm i may be mounted. on its outwardly protruding end. The end of the arm i is slotted for the reception of the end of a rod '5, on the end of which a weight a is carried. A collar 2'' is secured in determined positions on the rod '21" in order positively to close the door a" when required. Suitable means may for ex ample he provided, such as illustrated in Figure 6, on the top plate a of the vapour outlet tube, by which the rod a may be raised for opening the respective doors 5- or for lowering or closing them.

It will be understood that as a measure of practical convenience the partitions may be mounted in vertical line, and that m5 hinging rods 21 may thus also be mounted in line, and thus the arms 71* may be disposed so as to be actuated by the same rod 2'; but separate rods 71 are preferred as illustrated in Figure 9 The partitions i are advantageously so disposed that the hinging rods 2?, arms 11* and the rods i may be disposed clear of the vapour outlet tubes 7 f f f as illustrated in Figures 2 and 9. Or again each door i may be operable by separate means such as described and as lllustrated in Figure 9?. It will, however, be understood that the doors 5 may be otherwise arranged than as described, and may be operated for opening or closure by any other means than indicated, for permitting communication between the respective sections of the helical va our space.

ach of the diametrical partitions e in the vapour outlet tubed are advantageously provided with a' central aperture closed by a-cover' plate a, by means of which access is possible to the respective compartments (1 to d", when the stil is out'of use. These cover plates may serve for the passage through them of steam pipes 7', through which superheated steam may be passed in a number of positions in the length of the still, into the helical vapour space, and for this purpose holes or apertures'e (Figure 2) may be provided, through which the steam pipes 9' may pass in line, and suitable packing may be applied to maintain a tight oint. One or more steam pipes 9' may be provided for each section of each vapour space, and the upper ends of the steampipes may respectively be diverted laterally to pass through the wall of the vapour outlet tube din suitable glands, and their inwardly protruding ends 7' may be perforated. The steam pipes may extend downwardly in line, and pass through a holeprovided in the bottom plate cl oil the vapour outlet tube, through a cover plate provided for the purpose in a position clear of the residue outlet pipe Z. The external parts of the 1 steam supply'pipes 7'? (Figure 1) may be provided with separate cocks, for independent. regulation of the superheated steam.

By 'such means it will be understood that the steam or other fluid medium is admitted in a regu'lable degree into the respective parts limits.

of the helical vapour space, so that thus evaporation may take place throughout the still in an atmosphere of steam.

"When the doors 2:? are closed, and when thus the separated sections of the helical vapour spaceare sealed, it'is necessary that the variation in pressure as between section and section should not exceed predetermined For the purpose of indicating the pressures, suitable pressure gauges may be v rovidedvon' the-ofi-take pipes f f 7. or the purpose of adjusting andregulat' ing the pressures in the several compartments butterfly valves or the like, operating as throttle valves may be provided in the vapour off-take pipes f f f f. Or instead the doors may be opened for the purpose of ensuring the restoration of' a uniform pressure in the helical vapour space.

Vacuum and pressure valves may be mounted conveniently on the vapour off-take PlP Within the lower downwardly protruding part (i of the vapour outlet tube d, means may be provided for the admission of superheated steam. For this purpose, a perforated tubular ring/b (Figure 1) maybe concentrically arranged within the downwardly protruding part 03 of the vapour outlet tube. superheated steam may be caused to pass through a supply pipe is passing through the lower end plate d of the vapour outlet tube d, and the tubular ring may be provided with holes directed inwardly in such position, that the admission of steam through them favours the circulation of the liquid residue, and so avoids local overheat- An outlet pipe Z may be mounted to pass through the end plate d of the vapour outlet tube, through which the liquid residue may be discharged. This outlet pipe may be connected as in the modification illustrated in Figure 1 to an external upstanding branch Z having a determined height, by means of which the level of the liquid residue in the lower part of the casing of the still a, and in the lower'part d of the vapour outlet tube 05 may be maintained substantialy constant. Alternatively an automatically operating valve may instead be provided, operated by a float, and this is in general preferred.

An arrangement suitable for automatic operation is indicated in Figures 9, 10 and 10* of the accompanying drawings,-in which on the end plate 03' of the vapour outlet tube (1, an outlet fitting m may be provided, through which the residue may under particular circumstances be withdrawn independently of the automatically operated outlet valve m and a centrally disposed outlet pipe m of smaller diameter may be concentrically mounted within the outlet fitting m. The upper end of this outlet pipe m may be provided with a cover plate m while immediately beneath, a series of outlet holes ms may be formed in vposition between the respective seats m* of a double valve m having downwardly depending circular flanges of a knife-edge section, making a line contact with the respective valve seats m on the valve being-lowered on its seats. The valve m is connected to'the lower end of a valve ro d m, Which'passesthrough aicentral hjole' inthe; cover plate m To t upper tg fth Pee-=1 y ndri Nil ' the discharge of the liquid residue is thereupon cut oil, as a consequence of the c1os-- ingof the valve m upon its seats. lit will be understood that any other outlet valve may be able in t e manner described. 5 A

As illustrated in Figures 9;, 9? and 9 a manholefitting and cover'plate (i may be applied on the top plate a of the vapour plate a may also be applied on the top plate a of the still.

Figures 11 and 12 shew by way of exam lo a brickwork setting suitable for the stil but it will be understood that. the settingforms no part of the' 'present inven- As illustrated in these" figures, the brickwork setting I; is provided rub a series tion.

of annular flues n completely to surround the still casing aQa'swell as an annular flue a to surround the downwardly protruding part alt-of the va our outlet tube at. The adjacent annular ues a arese arated from each other and from the annu ar flue 'n by ing supported at their inner edges by'means mission of secondary airinto the combustion chambers n, and the lower holes 'n may be provided with means for .-.regulating the amount of secondary air admitted. llhere may for example be six separate annular flues n disposed in series to'surround the casing of the still a, and a vertical series of a corresponding number of combustion chamhers 'nmay be provided, Each combustion chamber a is disposedradially with reference to the annular heating flue n era, and the heating gases enter the annular heating M flue n impinging against' the centrally dis-- posed vertical wall m ff s provided of a substantiallykangular section; having curved faces'o a'formsu' 'llustrated in Figure 12, by whio th be separated into flow m verse spective-p'arts o the annula v, Azigj radially res'ed' af eiw ls orblocks 6 may be rre as llustrated. in Figure rovided to be automatically oper- \be temporarily closed by bricks or blocks.

outlet tube, and'a similar fitting and cover tion n filled with concrete, and the bothorizontal annular walls n, which come to. lie in contact with the casing of the still, b8",

12 with a view toefiectfl interruption and movement of the streams of heating ases. The hot gases thus pass in opposite irections around the still, and thence outwardly from theannular flue a into the uptake n", through elongated apertures n", provided in a posltion in the setting opposite to that at which: the combustion chambers n are pro? vided. The elongated outlet apertures n may beprovided with a dam er capable of operation from without for t e purpose of regulation. j

Man-holes a- (Figure 12) are rovided for access to the annular flues, and t ese may .disposed passage may lee-provided beneath the setting ,a'ndat right angles to and on a level with the passage n for convenience in disposing the steam pipes and residue outlet pipes respectively.

,- By means of a steel framework, platforms 'may advantageuosly be provided at the various levels -'on the setting, and ladders or steps,.by' means of which the respective burnersand-the. respective annular fines may be accessible and fromwhich the inlet for'the crude oil, the draining valves and the valves upon the vapour outlet pipes are accessible.

The vapours from the still may be passed directly to air or water cooled condensers;

or they may first and in part or-wholly be passed through pre-heaters. The hot residue from the-still is discharged hot and passed to storage or for furthertreatment, or for cooling by air or wate'r,:.or the hot residue may be used wholly or in part for pre-heatingir1 the crude oil before admissionto the sti.

For thep'urpose of draining the respective compartments ofthestill any suitable means may be provided. The means indicatediin' Figures 5 and 9 of the drawings comprise holes w provided in the lower part of the bottom it of the respective fittings.

Thus the respective vertical series of the fittogether by means of a chain w (Figure 5) or a rod of such a length that each valve 'w is free to take its proper seating in thc draining hole 40, the length of chain w or rod between successive valves 10 being sulficient' for this purpose. The valves 10 are provided of any suitable form as also are of one va V0 is connect-ed to the hook fitting w of the next valve beneath it, by means of the length of chain 'w In Figure 5 chains '11) are shewn to connect the valves, while in Figure 9 the chain w is' replaced by the downwardly depending rod to which extends to engage the hook fitting of the valve next beneath. The formation of each valve with a depending conical part suflices to ensure that all valves of each com'partment be lifted clear of their seats, for the purpose of draining, and of the valves re turning to their seats under their own weight, but if desired means may be rovided for the return of the valves to t eir seats.

Any suitable means than hereinbefore described may be provided for lifting the draining valves or for draining the respective compartments. For example a rod w carrying the connected lengths of chain w or rods may extend to the top plate of the still, and the protruding end of the rod to may be prov1ded with screw threads by means of which on the rotation of a nut or hand wheel to, the rod w carrying the connecting chain 'w or rods may be lifted or pose of correction of the vapours evolved.

In the use .of a still as hereinbefore described, it will be understood. that the whole of the surface of the still casing to which heat is applied is utilized for the direct transmission of heat to the oil to be distilled, that the oil in its progress through the helical channel in the still is circulated, that a very considerable evaporating surface is provided for the release of the vapours, and that the circulation imparted to the oil within the respective compartments and the movement necessary to the oil on flowing from one compartment to the other, facilitates the disengagement of the vapours. By such means good fractionation results and the overheating of the oil or of the vapour is avoided, and distillation products are directly and continuously produced as may be determined according to the temperature conditions employed. Furthermore the degree of heat applied in the respective heating zones may be varied according to the fractions desired.

The still constructed according to the in: vention is primarilyintended for use, in

combination with other apparatus, the

so far as concerns the still may however be carried beyond the kerosene fraction.

It may be used without regenerative apparatus (pre-heaters) in which case vapour generated would pass forward for condensation (after correction in dephlegmators if desired) and the residuum be re-run in other apparatus for further reduction or discharged forward for cooling and storage.

Preferably, especially in connection with the kind of oil it is primiarly designed to treat, the still is to be used in conjunction with regenerative apparatus, the heat'in the vapour generated in the still, the heat. in steam (where steam is used) and in the residuum from the still being utilized in suitably contrived apparatus to distil oft from the oil the lightest fractions. In this:

preferred arrangement partly topped oil is thus treated-in the still.

Varying with size and general proportions adopted in any given casethe still will function and the regulated flow take place between wide limits as may be required to meet varying practical conditions such as the character of the oil to be distilled, and

the fractions to berecovered. Furthermore although primarily intended for distillation carried out at pressures slightly above atmospheric, the still may be operated under partial vacuum or at pressures in excess of atmospheric pressure.

I claim 1. In the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, a method of evaporation consisting in causing the liquid to flow in a descending course, intercepting the liquid to'form pools at successively lower levels, the liquid flowing successively from pool to pool, applying heat laterally to the liquid in its course, liberating the vapours from the liquid in the pools at the side away from that at which heat is applied and shielding the vapours from the direct application of heat, substantially as described 2. In the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, a'method of evaporation consisting in causing the liquid to flow in a descending helical course, intercepting the liquid to form pools at successively' lower from pool to pool, applying heat laterally to the liquid in its helical course, liberating the vapours from the liquid in the pools and shielding the vapours from the direct application of heat, substantially as described.

evels, the liquid flowing successively.

3. In the distillation of crude oil and.

other similar liquids, a method of evaporation consistingin causing the liquid to flow menace in a descending course, intercepting. the

liquid to form pools at successively lower levels, the li uid flowing successively from pool to pool, iberating the vapors from the iquid in the pools, applying heat to the liquid in the pools in zones, the temperature of which progressively increases in the direction of flow of the liquid, the heat being applied to the li uid from the side away from that at whic the vanour is liberated, and separately collecting the vapours from the said respective zones, substantially as described.

4. In the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, a method of evaporation consisting in causing the liquid to flow in a descending course, intercepting the liquid to form pools at successively lower levels, the liquid flowing successively from pool to. pool, applying heat laterally to the liquid in its course, liberating the vapours from the liquid in the pools at the side away from that at which heat is applied, shielding t ll till

till

the vapours from the direct application of heat and causing the circulation of the liquid in the pools, substantially as described.

5. In the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, a method of evaporation consisting in causing the liquid to flow in a descending course, intercepting the liquid to form pools at successive y lower levels, the liquid flowing successively from pool to pool, applying heat laterally to theliquid in its course, liberating the vapours from the liquid in the pools at the side away from that at which heat is applied, shielding the vapours from the direct application of heat and causing the vapours to flow above the li uid and in a direction opposite thereto, en stantially as described.

6. Stills adapted for the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, comprising an outer wall, and a liquid conducting channel of a substantially, helical form disposed within the still beside the said outer wall, weirs within the said channel dividing it into a descending series of compartments adapted to maintain a body of liquid in con tact with the whole area of the said outer wall, substantially as described.

7. A still adapted for the distillation. of crude oil and other similar liquids, corn rising an outer wall, a liquid conducting c annel extending beside the said outer wall within the still, weirs within the said chan nel dividing it into a descending series of compartments adapted to maintain the levels of the liquid progressively lower, the cross-sectional shape of the said channel being deep near the said outer wall and shallow in direction awa from the said outer wall where a space 1s formed beneath the channel, substantiall as described.

8.A still adapte for the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, compris.

ing an outer wall, a liquid conducting chan-- nel extending beside the said outer wall within the still, weirs within the said channel dividing it into a descending series of compartments adapted to maintain the levels of the liquid progressively lower, the cross-sectional shape of the said channel being deep near the said outer wall and shallow in direction awa wall, where a space is formed beneath the channel for the reception of vapour, and a vapour outlet tube within the still in communication with the said vapour space, sub stantially as described.

t). A still comprising a substantially'c lindrical casing, a substantially cylindrlca vapour outlet tube concentrically disposed wlthin the said casing, a channel of substantially helical form within the annular space between the said casing and the said tube, the said channel being formed as a descendlng series of compartments of a radial cross section which is dee said cylinder casing and s llow near the said vapour outlet tube, the under side of the channel near the vapour outlet tube forming with the latter a substantially helical vapour space above the parts of the channel beneath, substantially as described;

10. 'A still adapted for the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, compris ing an outer wall and a liquid conducting channel extending beside the said outer wall within the still, said channel being constructed of vertical series of weir fittings, the weir fittings in adjacent vertical series and in the same plane supporting between them intermediate plates whereby compartments are formed, each of said weir fittings having a weir to permit of overflow of liquid from one compartment to the succeedmg compartment of the channel and to from the said outer near the said maintain a body of liquid against the adj acent outer wall of the still, substantially as described.

11. A still adapted for the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, comprising an outer wall and a liquid conductin channel extending beside the said outer wa within the still, said channel being constructed of vertical series of weir fittings, the weir fittings in adjacent vertical series and in the; same planesupporting between them intermediate plates, whereby compartments are formed, the said weir fittings being each formed with two walls enclosing between them an open cavity which is comleted only on the respective weir fittings eing mounted one upon the other in the vertlcal series, the bottom of each open cavity in a vertical series being located at the upper part of a weir fitting next below in the vertical series, and one of the said walls forming a weir to permit of overflow of liquid from one compartment to the succeeding compartment, and to maintain a body of liquid against the adjacent outer wall of the still, substantially as described.

12. A still adapted for the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, comprising an outer wall and a liquid conducting channel extending beside the said outer well within the still said channel being constructed of vertical series of weir fittings, the weir fittings in adjacent vertical series and in the same plane supporting between them intermediate plateswhereby compartments are formed, each of the said weir fittings having a weir to permit of overflow of liquid from one com artment to the succeeding compartment 0 the channel and to maintain a body of liquid against the adjacent outer Wall of the still, the said weir fittings being formed with walls having ledges thereonat difl'erent levels for the support of the plates set between the adjacent weir fittings, substantially as described.

13. A still adapted for the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, comprising an outer wall and a 1i uid conducting channel extending beside tie said outer wall within the still, said channel being constructed of vertical series of weir fittings, the weir fittings in adjacent vertical series and in the same plane supporting between them-intermediate plates, whereby compartments are formed, the said weir fittings being each formed with two walls enclosing between them an open cavity which is completed only on the respective weir fittings being mounted one upon the other in the vertical series, the bottom of each open cavity in a vertical series being located at the upper part of a weir fitting next below in the vertical series, the said walls of the weir fittings having led es on their outer faces at different levels %or the sup ort of the plates set between adjacent weir ttings, one of said walls forming a weir to permit of overflow of liquid from compartment to compartment, and to maintain a body of liquid against the adjacent outer wall of the still, substantially as described.

14. A still adapted for the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, comprising an outer wall and a liquid conducting channel extending beside the said outer wall within the still, said channel being constructed of vertical series of weir fittings, the weir fittings in adjacent vertical series and in the same plane supporting between them intermediate plates whereby compartments are formed, each of the said weir fittings having two walls enclosing be tween them an open cavity, one of which walls is provided as a weir and in the other of which is provided an aperture to admit liquid into the open cavity between the said walls, substantially as described.

15. A still adapted for the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, comprising an outer wall and a liquid conducting channel extending beside the said outer wall within the still said channel being constructed of vertical series of weir fittings, the weir fittings in adjacent vertical series and in the same plane supporting between them intermediate plates whereby compartments are formed, each of the said weir fittingsbeing formed of two integral walls enclosing between them an open cavity and an outer part adapted to be closed by the outer wall of the still, one .of the said walls being formed as a weir, and the other having an aperture therein to admit liquid into the 0 en cavity between the said walls, substantially as described.

16. A still adapted for the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids, comprising an outer wall and a liquid conducting channel extending beside the said outer wall within the still, said channel being constructed of vertical series of weir fittings, the weir fittings in adjacent vertical series and in the same plane supporting between them intermediate plates whereby compartments are formed, each of the said weir fittings having a weir to permit of overflow of liquid from one compartment to the succeeding compartment of the channel and to maintain a body of liquid against the adjacent outer wall of the still, the said weir fittings being formed of two integral walls enclosing between them an open cavity and an outer part adapted to be closed by the outer wall of the still, and means for making a joint between the outer end of the weir fittings and the wall of the still, substantially as described.

17. A still adapted for the distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids com risin an outer wall, a liquid conducting c anno of a substantially helical form and disposed within the still beside the said outer wall the cross-sectional shape of the said channel being deep near the said outer wall and shallow in direction away from the said outer wall where a vapour space is formed beneath the channel, weirs within the said channel dividing it into a descending series of compartments, and a vapour outlet tube divided into compartments, the said compartments being respectively in communication with different parts of the vapour space, substantially as described.

18. A still adapted for the'distillation of crude oil and other similar liquids comprisin an outer Wall, a liquid conducting channe of a substantially helical form and disposed within the still beside the said outer wall the cross-sectional shape of the said channel being deep near the said outer wall, and shallow in direction away from the said outer wall where a vapour space is formed 

